Abstract: This collection is comprised of 43 original costume illustrations used for the San Jose State College production of Henrik
Ibsen’s
Peer Gynt, which was presented during the college’s Diamond Jubilee on May 21st, 1937. These costume designs were produced by students
in San Jose State College’s Art 87B Illustration course during Spring semester of 1937. The color illustrations depict either
an individual or group of characters wearing their costumes. The figures are often posed in a state of action that corresponds
to their role in the play. The majority of the sketches have extensive handwritten notes regarding fabric, color preferences,
types of footwear and headgear, and other accessories. Some sketches include attached swatch of fabric. Most illustrations
bare the designer’s signature.

Language of Material:
English

Physical Location: Vault 1, Range 30B

Access

The collection is open for research.

Publication Rights

Copyright has been assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission
to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the SJSU Special Collections & Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader. Copyright restrictions also apply
to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

The collection of original costume sketches were designed by students in San Jose State College Art 87B Illustration class
for the college’s inter-departmental production of Henrik Ibsen’s drama
Peer Gynt, which was presented at San Jose’s Civic Auditorium on May 21st 1937. The production was part of San Jose State College’s
Diamond Jubilee celebration (May 20th-22nd) in honor of the institution’s 75th birthday. The three-day program formally commenced
on May 20th with the Phelan award program, which featured a keynote speech from Lloyd C. Douglas, author of “The Magnificent
Obsession” and other best sellers. Some of other highlights include a concert at the Civic Auditorium on May 20th that features
the San Jose State College symphony orchestra with guest conductor Rudolph Ganz, as well as the Jubilee Ball on May 22nd to
end the festivities. In addition to various distinguished visitors to the celebration, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent
a congratulatory message, and Governor Frank M. Merriam delivered an address of recognition.

Peer Gynt is a play written in 1867 by Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906). It is a blend of folkloric fantasy and social
satire that centers on the title role who constantly compromises his moral judgments on instances of controversy in order
to avoid the hardships of life. The structure of the play is divided into five acts, which chronicles Peer Gynt’s journey
from the Norwegian mountains to the North African desert and introduces a mixture of fantastic and realistic supporting characters.
Hugh Gillis, San Jose State College dramatic head, was responsible for directing the production. The production featured a
cast of 128 actors, 22 dancers from the college Orchesis Society, and a 100-piece college symphony orchestra to play the accompanying
score composed by Ibsen’s compatriot Edvard Grieg (1843-1907).

Diamond Jubilee Scrapbook 2 and 3. San José State University Scrapbook Collection, MSS-2010-03-04, San José State University
Library Special Collections & Archives.

Gilbert, Benjamin F., and Burdick, Charles.
Washington Square, 1857-1979: The History of San Jose State University. [San Jose, CA: San Jose State University, 1980].

Gilbert, Benjamin F.
Pioneers for One Hundred Years: San Jose State College, 1857-1957. San Jose, CA: San Jose State College, 1957.

San José State College.
Circular of Information and Announcement of Courses for the Seventy-ninth Year of the College, 1936-1937. San José: San José State College, 1936.

Scope and Content of Collection

This collection is comprised of 43 original costume illustrations used for the San Jose State College production of Henrik
Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, which was presented during the college’s Diamond Jubilee on May 21st, 1937. These costume designs were
produced by students in San Jose State College’s Art 87B Illustration course during Spring semester of 1937. The color illustrations
depict either an individual or group of characters wearing their costumes. The figures are often posed in a state of action
that corresponds to their role in the play. The majority of the sketches have extensive handwritten notes regarding fabric,
color preferences, types of footwear and headgear, and other accessories. Some sketches include attached swatch of fabric.
Most illustrations bare the designer’s signature.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into one series. Series I: Peer Gynt Costume Illustrations, 1937.